A unique expo dedicated to
the concrete domain by Informa Markets in India
Informa Markets in India,
the nation's premier exhibitions organiser, is preparing to host the 9th edition of the World of Concrete India
(WOCI) show, Asia's largest renewable energy expo, from 18th to 20th October
2023 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. World of Concrete India (WoC
India) proudly stands as the nation's unique exhibition dedicated to the
concrete industry, serving as the Indian counterpart to the renowned World of
Concrete Las Vegas.
The event will unite over 10,000 industry
professionals and 200+ global exhibitors and bring under the spotlight a wide range of products and
technologies across the concrete, masonry, construction, and related fostering
knowledge exchange among architects, engineers, builders, contractors, and
project managers.
With its central theme focusing on innovation
and sustainability, World of Concrete India 2023 spanning three business days,
provides a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge concrete technologies,
equipment, and industry-shaping innovations. It also features a comprehensive
three-day knowledge forum and conference addressing emerging trends, including
digitalization and precast construction. Attendees can look forward to the
unveiling of a white paper on ‘AI in Construction Projects’, CEO and CTO
discussions on industry challenges, and recognition of milestone achievements
and excellence in real estate and infrastructure through awards. Additionally,
there are numerous components like product launches, showcases, masterclasses,
B2B meetings, and specialized pavilions for waterproofing and dry mortar.
Together, these elements create a comprehensive and enlightening event,
promoting product presentation, trend exploration, and celebration of
excellence within the construction sector.
To
address the anticipation, Informa Markets in India convened an exclusive
pre-event press conference today at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai today.
This preview event provided a dynamic platform for key stakeholders, government
representatives, and media personnel to delve deep into India's construction
industry's potential, casting a spotlight on the pre-eminence of western India
in the domain.
The event's high-powered
dignitary list featured prominent figures such as Mr Nilotpol Kar, Managing
Director, Sika India; Mr V N Heggade, Founder DECon Complete Solutions &
Former Executive Director Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd; Mr
Aniruddha Nakhawa, Honorary Secretary,
Builders Association of India, Mumbai
Centre; Dr Vishal R. Thombare, Executive Engineer Roads, BMC & Chairman,
Indian Concrete Institute; Mr Alok Ranjan, Partner, Tauran Advisors; Mr Mandar
Chitre, Director & Founder, Drycotec Drymotor Association; Mr Yogesh
Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, and Mr Rajneesh Khattar,
Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India. They engaged in
thought-provoking discussions about future construction trends, challenges,
industry needs, and insights into sustainable products within India's
burgeoning construction market, while encouraging the use of innovative and
sustainable building technologies that foster growth benefiting both businesses
and the planet.
Emphasizing carbon
neutrality and sustainable infrastructure, Mr.
Vishal Thombre, Executive Engineer Roads, BMC & Chairman, Indian Concrete
Institute said, “Our innovative design, incorporating mono-piles for
sustainability, ensures our structures can last a century. By incorporating
by-products from various industries, we reduce carbon emissions by up to 60 to
65%. Concrete roads have become synonymous with durability, low maintenance,
and fewer potholes. The introduction of utility ducts for streamlined trenching
facilitates swift repairs without traffic disruption. At the World of Concrete
Expo 2023, we will showcase proven technologies that expedite construction,
reducing both time and costs."
Emphasizing on
environmental sustainability, Mr V N
Heggade, Founder DECon Complete Solutions & Former Executive Director
Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt Ltd said, "In the midst of a
robust Rs 111 lakh crore infrastructure drive, spanning vital sectors like
Energy, Roads, Urban Infrastructure, and Railways, we're confronted by the
urgent issue of climate change. Our capital outlay and key initiatives,
including PM Gati Shakti and the 'India-Saudi Arabia-Europe' corridor, drive
this growth. Yet, we must also address our environmental impact, as India
contributes 2.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent, with the construction sector
alone responsible for 40%, fuelled by materials like Cement, Steel, and
Aluminium. India's pledge to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2070, guided by
'Panchamrita,' emphasizes our duty to align progress with environmental
sustainability. Together, at the World of Concrete India Expo, we navigate the
junction of infrastructure development and climate action."
Sharing his insights, Mr Nilotpol Kar, Managing Director, Sika
India said, "Concrete, the second most consumed man-made material
globally, is key to our infrastructure. India, with its extensive use of fly
ash, cement, and slag, stands as one of the largest consumers of these
materials. India can produce up to 150 MTA mega Pascal strength concrete. These
achievements deserve recognition, and World of Concrete India 2023 provides the
ideal platform to showcase India's capabilities and fosters skill development,
crucial in a nation of 1.4 billion. From showcasing unique technologies to
addressing waterproofing and high-performance concrete, this event is pivotal
in India's construction industry."
Mr
Aniruddha Nakhawa, Honorary Secretary, Builders Association of India (Mumbai
Centre) stated, “We're dedicated to enhancing the construction
industry's societal role, focusing on carbon neutrality, sustainable concrete,
and durable infrastructure. While we face challenges, we see enormous potential
for growth and skill development. Our ambitious aim is to achieve 40 to 50%
skilling in construction, making India an exporter of skilled labour. This
aligns with our Prime Minister's vision, and a 50% increase in industry-wide
skilling will be transformative. As we gather at the World of Concrete India
2023, it becomes evident that this platform plays a pivotal role in fostering
such transformative goals and innovations within the construction industry.”
Highlighting the role of AI
in the Construction sector, Mr Alok
Ranjan, Partner, Tauran Advisors said, "India's infrastructure
development presents a remarkable opportunity, driven by government initiatives
and investments. Just 20% of the needed 2050 infrastructure exists today,
posing both a challenge and a chance for the construction industry. AI, a
long-standing technology, now becomes accessible to all, thanks to innovations
like generative AI. In the process-driven construction sector, AI is set to
revolutionize various project phases, despite initial challenges. As we convene
at World of Concrete India, AI's potential impact across the project lifecycle
highlights the transformative role it can play in construction."
Commenting
on the anticipation for WOC India 2023, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director,
Informa Markets in India, stated, "In this era of
adaptability, World of Concrete India 2023 champions innovation and sustainable
building technologies, driving growth that benefits both businesses and the
planet. The government's substantial investment in infrastructure and
affordable housing. The completion of numerous projects under initiatives like
AMRUT and Smart City Mission underscores our sector's potential. Additionally,
proactive steps such as utilizing the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund
(UIDF) for Tier 2 and Tier 3 city development and injecting INR 75,000 Crores
into critical transportation projects, are propelling connectivity and industry
advancement.
World of Concrete India
2023, with its salient features and robust support from partners and
associations, aligns with India's mission to enhance urban infrastructure,
making it a significant milestone in India's construction journey," he added.
Mr.
Mandar Chitre, Director & Founder of Drycotec Drymotor Association, highlighted
the urgency for factory-produced mortars, stating, "The shortage of
skilled masons is a significant challenge within the concrete industry, and
Factory-Made Mortars provide a viable solution. This innovation directly
addresses the pressing issue of the mason shortage by eliminating on-site
mixing, reducing errors, and preventing costly repairs. The industry is
enthusiastically adopting this change, leading to substantial growth in ready
mortar manufacturers. This emerging sector plays a vital role in our journey
towards Net Zero by minimizing consumption in rework and repairs.”
India's
Thriving Construction Landscape
India's construction
market, poised to reach a staggering $1.4 trillion by 2025, stands as one of
the world's largest contributors, employing over 51 million individuals and
contributing 9% to the nation's GDP. It encompasses a broad spectrum of
construction domains, including industrial, residential, commercial,
infrastructural, institutional, and energy and utilities construction. Real
estate and infrastructure projects fuel these facets, while technological
advancements such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR),
Augmented Reality (AR), Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
revolutionize the industry. Simultaneously, sustainable construction materials
like fly ash and recycled plastic waste take precedence.
A remarkable experience
awaits participants at the expo, contributing to the future of sustainable
construction in India.
